Summer is coming to an end but there are still days left to get out and climb before the crisp fall air sets in. This guide is full of climbing gear to help you maximize this season. We have gathered gear that will help you stay dry in any weather, to shoes that will get you to your next climb. Also if you would like to relive your climbing experience we even included a camera that will help with that. So look over our picks and then get out and climb.
Arc’Teryx Alpha SL Hybrid Jacket
Designed for hikers and climbers pursuing more aggressive objectives, the Alpha SL Hybrid features extra-durable GORE-TEX® Pro Shell in the shoulders and underarm gussets, with lightweight GORE-TEX® Paclite® on the body. Using two composites of GORE-TEX® textile for added durability in high-wear areas. Designed to deliver complete emergency weather protection without excess bulk, this compact jacket is exceptionally light but with added durability.
Features:
• Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable
• Lightweight
• Compressible and packable
• DWR finish (Durable Water Repellent) helps bead water from fabric surface
• Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and weight
• Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
• Gender specific patterning
• Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
• Articulated elbows
• e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility
• Adjustable hood drawcords
• WaterTight™ external zippers
• MSRP: $339.00
• http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Jackets/Alpha-SL-Hybrid-Jacket
Gramicci NPT Shirt
Three years after launching Natural Performance Technology, Gramicci regularly hears from hundreds of climbers, hikers, runners, endurance racers and other athletes who say NPT is their new go-to performance apparel of choice. The raw materials for Gramicci NPT garments are grown without pesticides or insecticides that poison the earth, water sources and the humans that harvest it. There is little to no shrinkage, no twisting or torqueing of side seams. The NPT series is dyed with Gramicci’s low-impact Bastion dye process creating Gramicci’s signature “perfectly imperfect” look, and now, complete with performance that is all natural.
Features:
• 55% Hemp. 45% Organic Cotton
• Fit: Athletic
• Engineered seams for Freedom of Movement
• Bastian garment dyed with low environmental impact dyes
• Wash separately in cold water before wearing
• UPF 20
• MSRP: $28 to $60
• http://www.gramicci.com/shop/organic-endurance-performance-p-5643.html?show_color=CLASSIC+GREEN
Five Ten D’aescent
This casual, ultra-lightweight off-road shoe utilizes Stealth® Mystique™ rubber with a thin toe and ran wrap to protect the forefoot. Other features include a dual-density EVA midsole and a synthetic microfiber mesh upper that is exceptional durable and quick-drying with plenty of breathability.
Features:
• Dual-density EVA midsole
• Closure: Lace
• Outsole: stealth mystique
• Upper Material: Synthetic
• Weight: 10.7 (9)
• MSRP: $109.95
• http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-detail/13222-daescent-beluga
Evolv Defy Lace
The Defy has been one of Evolv’s most popular shoe and now they are making it available in an laced option. The Defy Lace offers the comfort, fit, and versatility of the Defy® with a more adjustable and powerful lace-up fit. A great shoe for moving up in the grades and full days on the rock.
Features:
• Adjustability and comfort of lace closure system
• A leather footbed for increased tactile connection and moisture wicking
• Perforated synthetic upper
• Profile: Asymmetrical
• Upper: Synthetic (perforated Synthratek upper)
• Lining: Nylon, leather footbed
• Midsole: MX-P: 1mm sensitive half-length
• Sole: 4.2mm TRAX® high friction rubber
• Rand: VTR rand (thicker front toe area)
• Weight: 9.1 oz ½ pair size 9 men’s
• Color: Charcoal, lime
• Sizes: 2-13.5 US men’s (including half sizes), 14 & 15
• MSRP: $89.00
• http://www.evolvsports.com/shop/climbing-shoes/defy-lace/
• If you are interested in the Velco version of this shoe check out this great review: http://www.99boulders.com/climbing-shoe-reviews/evolv-defy-review/
Tenaya Tatanka shoes
Tatanka, the most asymmetrical of Tenaya’s laced models, is a high-performance climbing shoe designed to take maximum advantage of the biomechanical properties of your feet in order to make climbing easier. When attempting the hardest moves on rock, time is often a critical factor, and this shoe allows you to make the fastest responses in all kinds of difficult situations. The shoe fits closely, just like a glove, and include SXRDynamics — a moving tightening system — together with a group of modifications in the sole and structure that have allowed not only to increase the precision and comfort, but also means the foot is able to employ its maxim strength. Tatanka also has a quick and effective lacing system, a perfect combination of materials, and a powerful heel, giving great results on difficult rock climbs.
Features:
• Material: Microfiber
• Colour: White and Orange
• Fastener: Lace-up
• Lining: TXT treated cotton
• Insole: TST multi-layer strech tex
• Midsole: 2D PLT 10
• Outsole: Vibram XS Grip 4mm.
• Weight: 340 grs.
• Size: 3-13 UK (mid sizes included)
• MSRP: $150.00
• http://www.trango.com/climbing-shoes/tatanka
GoPro HD HERO2
The HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition is the most advanced GoPro camera yet. Wearable and gear mountable, waterproof to 197′ (60m), capable of capturing professional full 170º wide angle 1080p video and 11 megapixel photos at a rate of 10 photos per second, the HD HERO2 is a versatile camera. Whether your goal is to capture a great day out with friends or you’re gunning for the cover of a magazine, the HD HERO2: Outdoor Edition can help you nail it and look like a HERO. Included are mounting accessories you’re most likely to use during outdoor sports like biking, skiing, skating, kayaking and so on. Other accessories are available via links on the right hand side of this page.
What’s Included:
• 1 11MP HD HERO2 Camera
• 1 Waterproof Housing (197′ / 60m)**
• 1 HD Skeleton Backdoor
• 1 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
• 1 USB Cable
• 1 Vented Helmet Strap
• 1 Head Strap
• 2 Curved Surface Adhesive Mounts
• 2 Flat Surface Adhesive Mounts
• 1 Three-Way Pivot Arm
• Assorted Mounting Hardware
• MSRP: $299.99
• http://gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero2-outdoor-edition/
Metolius Access Fund Chalk Bag
Metolius, continues its support of the Access Fund in 2012 with commemorative, co-branded chalk bags. Metolius has been an Access Fund Corporate Partner since the non-profit’s inception in 1991, and has been working with the Fund to protect threatened climbing areas ever since. By partnering with the Access Fund, Metolius expands upon its commitment to produce quality and innovative climbing equipment, while supporting environmental preservation of threatened climbing areas for current and future generations. As a group of climbers who are passionate about protecting and maintaining access to multi-recreational areas, Metolius identifies this program as an opportunity to leverage their brand to promote the importance of access to the American climbing community. The bags will be available at AccessFund.org and online at MetoliusClimbing.com for $22.50. The Access Fund will receive a portion of the proceeds from every sale of the co-oped chalk bags.
Features:
• Four unique designs utilizing our spacious Chalk Pod shape
• A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Access Fund to help preserve our coveted climbing areas for future generations.
• Full-length pile lining
• Stiff, easy-access rim
• Brush holder
• Includes belt w/side-release buckle
• Colors: blue destinations, tree leaves, orange destinations, desert night
• Price: $22.50
• http://www.metoliusclimbing.com/access-fund-pod.html
Singing Rock Attack harness
The Attack harness is loaded with unique Singing Rock features. Three Rock&Lock buckles adjust to the conditions. BMI swami adjustment system brings more security and comfort for a precise fit. Each harness is equipped with built-in tool protection for quick and secure access. The rear haul loop provides secure attachment for haul lines. Generously padded and well ventilated.
Features:
• Weight: 460 grams
• # of Buckles: 3
• Gear Loops: 3
• Haul Loop
• Slot for racking biner
• CE and UIAA Certified
• Available Sizes: XS to XXL
• Perfect for Sport, Trad, and Indoor
• MSRP: $49.95
• http://www.libertymountainclimbing.com/shop/product.asp?p=9284
Trango Double Rack
The Double Rack is a versatile and affordable big wall gear sling with a full-strength chest harness. With a total of seven gear loops (3 per side, 1 in back) you’ll have plenty of room to keep things organized. If that’s not enough space, you can clip essentials to the daisy chains running down each shoulder strap and neatly hang the Double Rack at belays from the same clip-in points. The padding keeps you comfortable whether you’re leading with a rack of iron, or leaning back for some restat a belay station.
Features:
• 7 gear loops
• Full strength chest harness
• Daisy chains on each shoulder
• 444 g
• MSRP: $51.95
• http://www.trango.com/harnesses/Double%20Rack
Beal Diablo Dynamic Climbing Rope
Beal has developed the Diablo for more demanding climbers. The Diablo is a leading rope on the market because of the latest technology on UNICORE that is used to construct the rope. The UNICORE element between the ropes core and sheath bonds the two together to reduce sheath slippage, keep the rope compact over time, and increases the suppleness of the rope. Due to its very fluid running sheath, the Diablo performs even better when pulling slack and clipping than with ‘classic’ ropes of smaller diameter and lower weight.
Features:
• Weight: 61 g/m
• Diameter: 9.8mm and 10.2mm
• Lengths: 50M, 60M, 70M
• Impact Force: 8.2kN
• UIAA Falls: 6
• CE and UIAA Certified – Single Rope
• Reduction of rope shrinkage to water for more than 50 %.
• MSRP: $229.95-$259.95
• http://www.libertymountainclimbing.com/shop/product.asp?p=12477
SMC Endeez
The Endeez rope end-icator was designed to aid climbers with a quick physical means of identifying their rope ends as they are rappelling, belaying, climbing or handling rope. Simply insert and thread the Endeez on your rope ends and secure them as directed. Ideal for use as a back-up knot while climbing, providing quick identification of rope ends or as a physical marker while working on or with rope. The Endeez provide users with exceptional performance in the simplest form as a physical link between the rope and the climber. In some limited cases Endeez may stop the movement of rope through a device or knot, but that feature can not be construed as a means of catching a fall or as fall protection.
Typical Sizing Guidelines
• Small – 7.5mm to 9.2mm
• Medium – 9.2mm to 10.4mm
• Large – 10.4mm to 11.6mm
• MSRP: $19.95
• http://www.smcgear.net/smc-products?page=shop.browse&category_id=208
Mammut Smart Alpine Belay Device
The alpine version of the award-winning Smart can also be used with Half Ropes as well with Single Ropes, making it the ideal companion for all alpine rock and ice pursuits. When it comes to belaying, the Smart Alpine offers the same excellent qualities as the Smart: dynamic braking of the climber in an accidental fall, and locks even at low levels of force exerted by the user. The Smart Alpine can also be used to independently belay one or two second climbers in an autolocking mode from the fixed point. The device is also ideal for abseiling. Black-red version for use with rope diameters of 8.9 to 10.5 mm.
• MSRP: $49.95
• http://www.mammut.ch/en/productDetail/221001010_v_0044/Smart+Alpine+8.9+-+10.5.html
Cypher Echo Mix quckdraws
Full-size and light weight quickdraws. Featuring a solid-straight-keylock gate Echo carabiner on the bolt end for catch free operation from the gear rack to the bolt and to facilitate easy route cleaning. The hooded-wire-bent gate Echo carabiner sits on the rope end for super wide gate clearance and reduced gate flutter during a fall. The draws are equipped with 10mm Cypher Dyneema® slings that provide a perfect lightweight to strength ratio. Longer length slings are available to keep rope drag to a minimum and avoid bulging rock near your carabiners.
Features:
• Weight Echo Mix QD 11cm: 2.82oz
• Echo Keylock Carabiner:
• Weight: 1.4oz
• Strength: 24kN/8kN/8kN
• Gate Clearance: 19mm
• Echo Wire Carabiner:
• Weight: 1.2oz
• Strength: 25kN/8kN/9kN
• Gate Clearance: 27mm
• Sling Lengths: 11cm, 16cm, 20cm, 25cm
• Sling Strength: 22kN
• CE Certified
• MSRP: $12.95-$15.50
• http://www.libertymountainclimbing.com/shop/product.asp?p=13090
Grivel Salamander Helmet
The Salamander is Grivel’s go-to helmet for all types of climbing. Designed for alpine, rock, and ice climbing. The outer shell is made of hard ABS material that protects against penetration. The inner layer is shock absorbing polystyrene foam. Extremely efficient air circulation. Convenient headlamp attachments allows for attaching any type of headlamp for nighttime climbing. Its wrap around-the-head-design provides an overall ergonomic fit and more coverage for the back of the head.
Features:
• Weight: 358 Grams (13.58oz)
• Size: 21.25” to 24.5”
• CE Certified
• Sizes: Regular, Small, XL
• Colors: Yellow, Black, Green, Red, White, Blue
• MSRP: $82.50
• http://www.libertymountainclimbing.com/shop/product.asp?p=10059
Millet Miage A.F. 50+10 Pack
Any given day in the mountains might find you on planks, clutching ice axes, or navigating your way through alpine lakes to find a suitable campsite on a weekend backpacking trek. Regardless of your choice, the Millet Miage A.F 50+10 Backpack accommodates a wide range of sports rather than limiting you to specific disciplines. After all, your pack shouldn’t disappear with the snow, and the Miage A.F maintains multi-season functionality for year-round fun.
Features:
• Free Flex Adjustable Back technology allows upper body motion and optimizes fit for comfort and load distribution
• Removable rain cover helps keep your gear dry even in surprise storms
• Detachable, extending lid flap allows you to minimize for lighter loads and accommodate extra gear when necessary
• Hydration-compatible so you can stay fueled without grappling with separate bottles
• Ski-carry compression straps, ski loop, and ice ace holder keep all your snow gear at the ready
• Pack-base compartment with access zip lets you readily get at a sleeping bag
• Convenient zipped waist belt pocket holds a camera or snack
• MSRP: $179.99
• http://www.millet.fr/en/products/spring-summer-2012-catalog/hardware-backpacks/miage-a-f-50-10
Mounteering Books Climbing the Seven Summits: A Comprehensive Guide to Each Continents’ Highest Peak.
Personal challenge. Bragging rights. Exploration of new cultures and countries.Whatever the reason, more and more people are attempting to climb the highest mountain on each continent—the renowned Seven Summits! If you’ve ever dreamed of climbing Denali or Everest, or joining the even more exclusive “Seven Summiters” club, then this guide is what you need to turn your dream into reality. In Climbing the Seven Summits you’ll find inspiration and information. It can be daunting just knowing where to start when it comes to the Seven Summits. But with professional climber Mike Hamill as your guide, you will discover different approaches to tackling the list, as well as details on what you’ll need to plan an expedition and what to expect on each climb. From Aconcagua to Vinson, Elbrus to Kilimanjaro, for each mountain learn about:
• Documents and immunizations
• Expedition costs
• Training
• Guiding options
• Climbing styles
• Best seasons
• Essential gear
• Day-by-day itineraries
• Summit routes
• Maps showing approaches and camps
• Regional natural history
• Cultural notes
• Post-climb activities—safari in Africa or wine-touring in South America?
Features:
• 320 pages
• 8 1/2 x 10
• 24 maps
• 125 color photographs
• Paperbound
• MSRP: $29.95
• http://www.mountaineersbooks.org/Climbing-the-Seven-Summits-P946.aspx
GripPro Trainer
GripPro trainer is an extremely effective finger-hand-forearm strength and endurance trainer. It comes in 3 different levels of difficulty: Green-30lb max resistance (easier)-for lighter weight people and warming up, Black-40lb max resistance (medium) for average weight men to train with and Red 50lb max resistance (difficult) for big guys or lower rep strength training. GripPro trainer is very portable and easy to use, almost anywhere/anytime – at your desk, stuck in traffic, walking, on the treadmill, etc. Try 3 sets of 30-100 reps a couple times a week for best results over time.
• MSRP: $7.95
• http://www.gripprotrainer.com/